The statement made by Ed Davey, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, on 3 January 2026.
Keir Starmer should condemn Trump’s illegal action in Venezuela.
Maduro is a brutal and illegitimate dictator, but unlawful attacks like this make us all less safe.
Trump is giving a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity.
The statement made by Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, on 2 January 2026.
The brave Iranians on the streets protesting against their despotic and oppressive government are a beacon of hope for us all.
The Iranian regime denies its own people basic liberties while exporting terrorism and instability beyond its borders, threatening the UK and our allies.
We stand with those risking everything for freedom.
The statement made by Priti Patel, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, on 3 January 2026.
We have always strongly condemned Maduro’s brutal and repressive regime and the Conservative Government did not consider Maduro’s administration as legitimate. Nobody will shed tears over him no longer being in power.
We await the full facts about the US operation which has removed Maduro and we want to see the Venezuelan people enjoy democratic norms and freedoms.
This is clearly a very serious geopolitical moment.
The statement made by Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Opposition, on 3 January 2026.
There’s a lot of noise from people who couldn’t find Venezuela on a map yesterday.
This is clearly a fast-moving and extremely serious situation. I am not going to rush to judgement or speculate on incomplete reports.
I’m more interested in what Venezuelans risking their lives for democracy have to say.
The UK’s responsibility is to understand the facts, assess where our national interest lies and consider the consequences for Venezuela’s people and for regional and global stability.
It is not for us to second guess from afar the motives and evidence behind these events. Let’s hear what President Trump has to say shortly. I will also be watching closely what is said by Venezuela’s democratic opposition.
The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 2 January 2026.
Dear Ukrainians!
Today, we have begun a substantial overhaul – internal changes to make Ukraine more resilient. Last year, there were good results from state institutions that need to be scaled up, as well as problems that should not carry over into the new year. Therefore, a wave of personnel changes is underway, and more decisions will follow regarding institutions.
First, Kyrylo Budanov has been appointed Head of the Office of the President. Kyrylo’s experience and strength are enough to steer the Office’s work toward security matters and the negotiation process exactly as needed.
Second, Oleh Ivashchenko will head the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine of the Ministry of Defense. He previously served in the Defense Intelligence and led Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service – a highly qualified professional. A decision regarding the Foreign Intelligence Service will follow soon.
Third, there will be a new Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, and I am awaiting nominations from the Minister of Internal Affairs for appointment. We discussed changes with Serhii Deineko and with Ihor Klymenko – new approaches will be introduced in managing the Border Guard Service.
Fourth, I have instructed the preparation of a presidential draft law to update the State Bureau of Investigation. There are things that should be changed. I expect the draft law in January for submission to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Government officials and the Office must jointly prepare proposals regarding the State Bureau of Investigation.
Fifth, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Pavlo Palisa, who himself commanded combat units, will, in the coming days, communicate with our combat brigades to determine which decisions can strengthen Ukraine’s positions. There will also be changes in military training. Training must learn the lessons of this war directly from the front, and everyone who trains Ukrainian warriors must understand firsthand what war truly is.
I have also decided to change the working format of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. I have proposed to Mykhailo Fedorov that he become the new Minister of Defense of Ukraine. Mykhailo is deeply involved in the issues related to the Drone Line and works very effectively on digitalizing public services and processes. Together with all our military, the army command, national weapons producers, and Ukraine’s partners, we must implement defense-sector changes that will be of help. Everything rests on the resilience of Ukrainians. And our resilience must have the necessary weapons, the necessary energy, the necessary finances, the necessary politics, and the necessary support of institutions. Denys Shmyhal remains part of our team – Ukraine’s team – and I am grateful to him for his systematic work for our state. Last year, the Ministry of Defense delivered solid results; in particular, by December, the task on producing interceptor drones had been fulfilled, with production exceeding 1,000 units per day. We are working to increase the number of trained crews. There were plenty of other tasks like this as well. Mykhailo Fedorov will be able to implement all of this and add technological efficiency. I have proposed that Denys Shmyhal lead another direction in government work – equally important for our resilience.
Tomorrow, we will continue the changes. Further decisions will follow.
And tomorrow, there will also be a meeting at the level of National Security Advisors – Europe plus the United States. Thank you to everyone who is helping!
Glory to Ukraine!
The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 1 January 2026.
Dear Ukrainians!
Once again, Happy New Year to everyone. We are starting this year with diplomacy, and we are continuing dialogue with our partners. This is the most important thing – that support for us, for Ukraine, is in place and sufficient. Everything rests on this – above all, our warriors on the frontline, all our defenders, our industry, our weapons production, everyone who helps us, all our international support. We must search for air defense every single day. Ukraine needs air defense missiles every day. The same goes for funding for weapons, for drones for our army, for UGVs, for equipment – for everything that is necessary. Everything is being pursued as actively as possible. And likewise – for the sake of keeping negotiations moving – in all aspects, on every track.
Today, Rustem Umerov is holding meetings in Türkiye – with the Foreign Minister of Türkiye and, next, with the intelligence services. We are working very hard to resume prisoner exchanges in the new year – this is precisely the key topic in our talks with Türkiye. We need this facilitation to bring our Ukrainians home from Russian captivity. Last year, the swaps were active, but toward the end of the year they slowed down, unfortunately. Now they must be resumed. Rustem is also in contact with the American team and our partners in Europe every single day – yesterday and today. We are preparing formats and important meetings. On January 3, a meeting of national security advisors will take place in Ukraine. This is the first such meeting in Ukraine focused on peace. European representatives will attend, and we expect the American team to join online. Fifteen countries have confirmed their participation, along with representatives of European institutions and NATO. Next, on January 5, there will be a meeting of the military – chiefs of general staff. The main issue is security guarantees for Ukraine. Politically, almost everything is ready, and it is important to work through every detail of how the guarantees will function in the air, on land, and at sea – if we succeed in ending the war. And this is the key goal for all normal people. On January 6, a meeting at the leaders’ level will take place – European leaders and the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing. We are preparing now to ensure that the meeting is productive, that support increases, and that there is greater political confidence both in the security guarantees and in the peace agreement. I thank everyone who is helping us.
I have just spoken with the President of Cyprus – my first call of the year. As of January 1, Cyprus has assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union, and it is important for us that Ukraine be among the priorities of the Cypriot presidency for the next six months. Ukraine’s membership in the European Union is also a security guarantee, and we are working toward membership as well. I informed him about our conversation with the United States and about the overall diplomatic situation. I thank Cyprus for its support. Thank you, Mr. President, Nikos, for all the important words about Ukrainians, about Ukraine, and about our strength.
Of course, I thank everyone who, since the night and from the early morning today, has been working on recovery after Russian strikes. Even on New Year’s night, the Russians could not help themselves. That’s who they are. But we are defending ourselves and restoring what was damaged. That’s who Ukrainians are. And tomorrow will be an important day of domestic policy for Ukraine.
Glory to Ukraine!
The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 3 January 2026.
The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate President and we shed no tears about the end of his regime.
I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.
![PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [January 2026]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/downingstreet-150x150.png)
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 January 2026.
The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this morning.
The leaders welcomed the US’ continued push for a just and lasting peace, and agreed it was clear no party wanted that more than Ukraine.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who continued to suffer as Russia bombarded cities with missiles and drones, and systematically destroyed critical national infrastructure to plunge families and the elderly into the cold and dark.
The Prime Minister welcomed National Security Advisor level discussions in Kyiv today, and looked forward to leaders progressing that work in Paris on Tuesday.
They discussed the ongoing work to ensure a multi-national force could deploy to Ukraine in the days following a ceasefire.
The Prime Minister welcomed the appointment of Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov as the head of the Office of the President in Ukraine, and said his team looked forward to working closely with him.
The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.
![PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of new magistrates wanted in 2026 as Government launches national recruitment campaign [January 2026]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gemini_Generated_Image_fnxmipfnxmipfnxm-150x150.png)
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 3 January 2026.
Thousands of ordinary people from all walks of life are being called on by the Government today (3 January) to volunteer their time to delivering justice by becoming a magistrate.
Over 2,000 extra magistrates have been trained since 2022 and this new, ambitious recruitment drive aims to boost the magistracy by the same number again in just the next financial year.
Magistrates are representative of the communities they serve. Latest figures show that 57% of magistrates are female and 14% come from an ethnic minority background, with London having the highest proportion of magistrates from an ethnic minority background at 31%.
Magistrates play a vital role in delivering justice locally. They are all volunteers and are expected to dedicate a minimum of 13 days a year to sitting on cases, meaning many magistrates can fulfil this crucial role easily alongside full-time employment and caring responsibilities.
Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said:
Magistrates play a vital role in our court system – hearing thousands of cases across every jurisdiction and delivering justice.
They are everyday heroes – and we need more people of every age and background to volunteer not just to deliver justice but to serve and represent their local communities.
Volunteering to become a magistrate can make a real difference to your life and the lives of others – that’s why I’m calling on the public to apply and play your part.
New research shows that 45 percent of people in England and Wales would consider volunteering in the next 12 months.
The Ministry of Justice has launched a new call for people across England and Wales to volunteer and help deliver swifter justice for victims.
All magistrates are given robust training and an experienced mentor in their first year to develop their skills and legal knowledge.
They are also supported with specialist legal advisors to allow them to deal with a range of cases. The top qualities that the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary look for in potential candidates are good communication skills, a sense of fairness and the ability to see an argument from different sides. Candidates are being sought to fill positions across all jurisdictions including criminal work, youth cases, as well as certain civil and family proceedings.
![PRESS RELEASE : Black cabs backed with fairer tax system [January 2026]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/hmtreasury-150x150.png)
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 2 January 2026.
Today (Friday 2 January) online mini cab firms have been barred from illegitimately using a niche scheme to avoid tax.
As announced at the Budget by the Chancellor, private hire vehicle operators in London will no longer be able to use the Tour Operators Margin Scheme – a niche tax scheme designed for tour operators and holiday coach trips – to significantly reduce the VAT they pay on fares.
This means that black cabs will no longer have to compete with online mini cab firms who are misusing this scheme to pay less VAT.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:
We’re putting the brakes on the illegitimate use of a niche tax scheme to protect everyday cabbies. We’ll use the £700m a year this raises to deliver the country’s priorities – cutting the cost of living, cutting waiting lists and cutting debt and borrowing.
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, said:
The government’s decision to apply VAT to all private hire journeys is a landmark step for fairness and integrity in our industry. For too long, drivers and small operators paying the full 20% VAT have had to compete with online mini cab firms benefiting from a niche tax scheme.
We welcome this move and commend the government for taking decisive action.
The Tour Operator’s Margin Scheme is a specialist VAT rule designed for genuine travel and holiday businesses, allowing them to pay VAT only on the profit they make on package trips, not the full fare, typically reducing the effective VAT rate to 4%.
First announced by the Chancellor at Budget 2025, today’s measure will prevent the small number of big companies accessing the Tour Operator’s Margin Scheme, as they have been doing.
By supporting fairer competition, the government is protecting around £700 million in revenue, helping deliver the public’s priorities – cutting waiting lists, cutting debt and borrowing, and cutting the cost of living.
Smaller operators outside London, where passengers book directly with drivers, and all black cabs will not be affected by this reform to the Tour Operator’s Margin Scheme.